Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Ontario for funeral details
Barbara Johnson Obituary
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara “Barbie” Ellen Johnson in her 80th year, surrounded by her loving family on December 2nd, 2024. As with everything she did in her life, she died with courage, and stubbornly fought until the very end. Barbara was the beloved wife of Ronald Matthew Johnson, who built an unwavering fortress of love around her for 55 years. Barbara was a devoted mother to her three girls, Kristen Johnson, Jody Berardi (Alfredo) and Ashley Johnson, and Grandmother to her three beautiful grandchildren, Estella (17), Matthew (15) and Julia (11), whom she cherished with immeasurable love. Barbara is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Mitchell (the late Peter Mitchell) and sister-in-law, Janet Webber (the late John Webber).
Born on September 15th, 1945, at Guelph General Hospital, Barbara was raised in Guelph, Ontario by her loving parents, Harold and Marion White. Barbara met her husband, Ron, when Barb visited Queen’s for a football game one weekend with a mutual friend. Ron’s sister, Janet, and Barbara’s sister, Beth, knew each other, but Ron did not know Barb White at the time. The friend asked if Ron could arrange a date with Barb on a Friday night, but as fate would have it, it didn’t work out, so Ron offered to take Barb out the following Saturday. And thus began a truly remarkable love story – not one defined by those found in fairy tales, but a partnership grounded in genuine love, loyalty, and patience. Ron has never faltered in his support for Barb. For the past five years, Ron would visit Barb at the same time- every night- without fail. The highlight of his day would be time spent holding Barb’s hand in the quiet stillness, telling her stories to make her laugh and smile. Even during her weakest moments and when there were not any words to be spoken. Ron’s devotion is a kind that cannot be found in traditional love stories, and everyone noticed it. Ron was Barb’s biggest champion, and always will be.
As a child, Barbara attended John McCrae Public School and Guelph Collegiate secondary school as a teenager and went on to pursue post-secondary studies at Victoria College, U of T, graduating with a degree in English and continuing her friendship with her dear childhood friend, Lynda. Barbara concluded her post-secondary studies with a BPHE degree from McMaster University. Barbara followed in her father’s footsteps by becoming a high-school English and Phys-ed teacher. However, despite her love of books and her gift of writing, her true passion lay in her desire to help those around her. Consequently, she secured a position in the Guidance Dept. at Alderwood Collegiate alongside her dear, lifelong friends, Bernie Coyle and Joe Moher. Barbara was beloved as a teacher; students invited Barbara to their weddings and until recently, stayed in touch. Her indelible mark on the world of teaching was apparent and there is no doubt this passion inspired two of her children to pursue careers in education.
Despite her ambitious academic endeavors, Barbara was involved in many extracurricular activities as a teenager, and she carried this athleticism throughout her adult life. From lacing up her figure skates on cold January mornings, to catching fastballs during summer softball games, she was a versatile athlete. Barbara was an avid squash player throughout her 30’s and 40’s. Even when she stopped playing due to knee injuries, she continued to remind Kristy about beating her in the B-division Club Championship. Her parting words, “I was not as fast, but I was smarter,” truly encompassed her competitive spirit. There is no doubt that her love of sports was passed on to her three girls. Whether it be as a self-appointed coach from the sidelines during cross-country races, or attending endless skating practices, soccer matches, swimming lessons, gymnastics competitions and marathons all over the world, her voice was undeniable; she was, and always will be, our biggest cheerleader. Barb’s favorite hobby was photography. She captured every special moment of our lives and carefully catalogued and labelled them in large green binders. As always, there is no doubt she was thinking of us and knew we would one day treasure these memories more than anything.
Barbara was devoted to giving back to others and building communities. Barbara served on the Halton Housing Authority for several years; she was an active member of The Halton Children’s Aid; Chair of St. John’s Church Council; President of Georgetown University Women’s Association; and a passionate Volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society and Cancer Assistance Program for Halton Hills. Barbara’s devotion to helping others was at the heart of her meaningful and compassionate life.
However, of all the places in the world she has travelled, and despite all the committees and charities she has supported throughout her 79 years, Barbara truly treasured the simplest moments in life; her most cherished memories were times spent with her family and friends. Her most important role was that of a Mother. She took her girls on many exciting adventures around the world, including trips to Siesta Key, California, Hawaii, England, Sauble Beach, Disney World and back again. We can still hear echoes of her laughter while she danced to Whitney Houston’s, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” while holding her daughters’ hands during a trip to Sea World. She was happiest in the presence of her many friends during coffee and lunch dates in downtown Georgetown. Barbara delighted in the squeals of laughter of her three girls ripping open each delicately wrapped gift on Christmas mornings; during cuddles and snuggles with her dogs; during long walks on the amber-sunset soaked beaches of Siesta Key with Ron; and watching the dancing dragonflies glide across the water during boat rides for ice cream with her grandchildren at the cottage – all places where she was truly happy. This is how we will remember her.
Barbara had unrelenting bravery and fortitude, and she faced every challenge in her life with a steely, unparallelled strength, and she instilled this strength in each of her three children and grandchildren. Even during the darkest of days, our mom’s courage taught us to reach for the stars, and to never give up. Our mom taught us to lead with empathy and believe in the magic that exists within every moment – we can see it if we truly look for it. During this Christmas season of hope, love, and light, we will look for her, and we will see her in our twinkling holiday lights; the stars atop our Christmas Trees; within the sun sparkling on the snow-crusted earth; and in the glimmer within our children’s eyes. Barbara’s feisty, enduring spirit will forever live in our hearts: her magic is everywhere. Our grief reflects the profound love we will carry forward forever, but we will continue to learn from her strength; she would not want us to be sad. Barb’s love will never be gone and perhaps that is the greatest gift of all. She is finally resting with peace and dignity. We will love her always – to the moon and back.
Our family would like to thank you all for your overwhelming love and support over the past 5 years. So many of you have demonstrated the unyielding power of love and compassion through your frequent text check-ins, phone calls, and small acts of kindness; your impact on our lives is impossible to put into words. Pat, Ann, Cheryl, Diana, and Marvyn, Barb was so grateful for your friendship and you have buoyed us all through thick and thin. We especially hold space in our hearts for Barb’s sister, Beth. Beth has demonstrated the epitome of unconditional love. Beth has never missed an opportunity to acknowledge a birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Easter, or even Valentine’s Day. Beth’s beautiful, distinctly handwritten cards were placed on Barb’s nightstand and without a doubt, Mom soaked in every thoughtful word when we read them aloud to her. Additionally, we would like to thank the dear staff at Extendicare, Georgetown, who have provided so much comfort to Barb and to us throughout the past 5 years. You have become a part of our family.
Friends and Family will be lovingly received at Jones Funeral Home in Georgetown, Ontario on Sunday, December 8th for a Visitation at 1:00 pm, A Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 pm, followed by a Reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted, with gratitude, to The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada and CAMH.
Support and Share
How did you know Barbara Johnson?
Family
Friend
Work
Other
Help others honor Barbara’s memory
Share Obituary
December 2 2024
Death notice for the town of: Georgetown, Province: Ontario
death notice Barbara Johnson December 2 2024
obituaries notice Barbara Johnson December 2 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Barbara Johnson December 2 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
